1. ADAPTIL Transport is clinically proven to help your dog cope when travelling:
Studies have shown:
· 85% reduction of shaking.
· 71% reduction of panting*.
Easy to use:
· Spray in the car or on your dog’s blanket/bedding just 15 minutes before your dog gets in. They will then receive up to 5 hours of comforting pheromones.
2. You need to build up your dog
You need to start small. Start with a stationary car and reward them for relaxed body language. When you feel they are comfortable, progress to having the engine one and when happy with this stage progress to taking short drives.
3. Safety tips
· Make sure your dog is properly restrained for their (and your) safety.
· Options include a seatbelt harness, dog carrier, crate or dog guard.
· Introduce your dog to the appropriate restraint so they have positive associations with it beforehand.
4. Travel tips
· Stop for exercise and toilet breaks every 2 hours.
· Bring water for your dog with you.
· Keep the car well ventilated.
· Don’t leave your dog unattended in the car.
5. Sign that your dog is uncomfortable or anxious
Dogs have super sensitive hearing and can hear noises earlier and much more acutely than humans. If they have not yet acclimated to the sound of car horns, or cars passing by on rainy days, these sudden noises could make them nervous and, therefore, show signs of being uncomfortable or anxious when you take them outside.
If your dog seems restless when they are around cars and they start panting, trembling, salivating or even vomiting, you need to take action to allay their fears.
Helping them to get used to cars may take some time, but with patience, gentle training and support, you’ll soon be travelling around.
6. Other tips for travelling with your dog
As well as using ADAPTIL Transport to support your pooch, these tips should help you travel safely and calmly!
· Train them to use and be comfortable in a carrier, or wearing a car harness before you start using them in the car.
· Before the journey, help your dog get used to being around the car. Let them sniff and explore the car when it is stationary; show them their ‘space’ in the car, whether it’s a crate, or where they will be restrained with a harness; put some familiar items like their blanket or favourite toy beside them; sit in the car together with the engine running, but don’t drive; after a few times doing this, start taking short trips. Always reward your dog when they are calm with quiet praise during the process.
· Make sure you give yourself enough time before the journey to go at your dog’s pace they may not be ready for a car journey straight away, but need a couple of times just sitting in the car without the engine on to adjust.
· Associate their first journeys with pleasant things, like going to the park.
· Keep the first journeys short. When on longer journeys, stop at least every couple of hours for exercise and to allow them to go to the toilet.
· Only feed them with a light meal before you travel. This will help limit car sickness if they are prone to it.
· Take plenty of water with you on the journey and make sure they have a drink when you stop for a break.
· Keep the car well ventilated and never leave your dog unattended in the car.
· You can also try playing music in the car that helps calm your dog after all, it’s proven that certain types of music can help put your dog at ease.
· Training your dog from a young age to accept that travelling by car is a normal part of life, will enable them to join you in all sorts of adventures and activities and build their confidence.
Happy travels!